I'm sure this has been brought up in a thread before but I am thinking of getting into photography (inspired by everyone's talent on the forum) and really want to know what is the best camera to start out with? I don't have much experience and want to ease my way into it, without spending over a grand. Thoughts?

I've owned all Canon products. Started with a Canon 40D, now have a Canon 7D and couldn't ask for a better camera. Bought my mom a Canon T2I and that thing is very cool. The T3I is even better. The T3I is the one I would go for. You really want to put your money in the glass (lenses). The camera helps, but the glass makes the photo. Plus, you can use the glass on future cameras when you start upgrading.

I just got a Nikon D3100 with a 18-55 lens and a 55-200 lens for 800. The shop I went to said Canon guys will recommend Canon and Nikon guys will recommend Nikon, but both are very good cameras. I went with Nikon because the deal I got on the second lens and Canon wasn't offering it.

The 3100 is similar to the 5100 big differences are the Mega pixels and the flip-out screen (I couldn't care less for this feature). If you get one from a shop see if they have a class to help you explore the features. I plan on going to one once i get back to St. Louis.